There's no doubt that there are significant rules and regulations in place that farmers must follow in order to certify their production as organic. Canada has a rigourous organic standard, and organic farmers typically take several years to fully transition to the production system. In turn, Canadian consumers have more organic choices in supermarkets than... Read More
Category: Eastern Canada
More government assistance is on the way for Ontario livestock producers facing severe forage shortages as a result of this summer's dry growing conditions, according to a recent announcement by the federal government. The governments of Canada and Ontario will provide assistance through AgriRecovery to help livestock producers with transportation costs incurred in accessing feed... Read More
Reports of yellowed and even purple-tipped winter wheat are rolling in from across southern Ontario. Farmers are, understandably, concerned about what's going on with the crop and how this may impact next year's yield. Never fear, as Peter Johnson, OMAFRA wheat specialist, took the time to sit down with RealAgriculture.com and explain exactly what's happening... Read More
The Wealthy Barber author and Dragon's Den star, David Chilton, spoke at this year's Farm Forum Event at Saskatoon, Sask., in late November. Produced by RealAgriculture.com Rob Saik, president of the Agri-Trend Group of Companies, caught up with David after his presentation to get his thoughts on not just identifying opportunities in agriculture, but also... Read More
Last week, the federal government announced three new Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada-based programs under the Growing Forward 2 banner — AgriInnovation, AgriMarketing and AgriCompetitiveness. While the press release outlines some details about the programs, the supplied information was a little light. RealAgriculture.com asked AAFC for further details. Below is the Q and A exchange (unedited).... Read More
2013 will be upon us before you know it and with that comes a great way to kick off the new year. FarmTech 2013 is one of Western Canada's premiere agricultural events and a great place for producers to learn more about the industry. The three day event features 5 keynote speakers and over 30... Read More
For those who didn't tune in this weekend to an episode of CTV's W5 on "factory farming", let me sum it up for you: according to the episode hog farmers are heartless, sadist wretches that abuse and mistreat all their animals. While attacks and misinformation on and about farming practices aren't rare, this particular program... Read More
Moving livestock safely, even short distances, requires the right type of trailer, skilled handlers and an informed plan for transport length and conditions. In order to ensure Canadian cattle are being handled with positive outcomes in mind, we need scientifically-informed guidelines for what appropriate travel durations and conditions are. Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, an Agriculture and... Read More
The standard 90 pounds of nitrogen on wheat in Ontario just doesn't cut it anymore. That's according to OMAFRA Wheat Specialist Peter Johnson. Johnson noted that some of the top growers in Ontario are using anywhere from 130 to 150 lb of nitrogen applied to ground that doesn't have residual nitrogen from a cover crop.... Read More
Those who haven't thought about or planned their business succession will have someone who has planned theirs take over their farm or business. It's that simple. That's according to Daryl Ritchie, chairman and CEO of MNP LLC, in this episode of the RealLeaders series. What's more, Ritchie says that too often businesses and farms focus... Read More